GIL Labs Financial sustainability Expert - Generation of Innovation Labs “GIL” Program

About the program: “The Generation of Innovation Leaders/GIL” is a program by UNICEF designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth in Lebanon & their lack of access to the knowledge economy. UNICEF is implementing this project in partnership with Berytech.

About Berytech: A leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and the company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.  Under the GIL project, Berytech aims to Increase access of Lebanese and Non-Lebanese youth (17-25 years) to technical and vocational training and innovative skills building programs for improved professional readiness and employability.

About GIL Innovation Labs: UNICEF Innovation Lab Network Programme (GIL – Generation of Innovation Leaders) is a network of 13 innovation labs all over Lebanon that aims at the provision of two sets of skills: Design Thinking and Business Development Skills (Social Entrepreneurship) and Digital Skills training tailored for youth in Lebanon. Engaging young people in their communities is a priority for UNICEF to address social cohesion challenges among different communities, and to support and empower youth to engage in healthy lifestyles and become more civically engaged. Since 2017, UNICEF has reached over 50,000 adolescents and youth with integrated and structured life skills, sport for development and positive leadership programs.

We are currently seeking a Financial Sustainability Expert to play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term financial health of GIL labs. These facilities are dedicated to providing soft and technical skills training for marginalized youth. The selected candidate's proficiency in financial matters will be vital for formulating and executing sustainable financial strategies, procuring funding, and streamlining resource allocation.

Planning Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive financial strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Conduct in-depth financial analyses to identify improvement areas and cost-saving opportunities.
• Create and manage budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyze budget variances and provide regular financial reports to leadership.
• Prepare accurate and transparent financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program managers and departments to integrate financial sustainability into overall planning.

Execution Responsibilities:

• Implement financial strategies and monitor their alignment with organizational objectives.
• Actively engage in fundraising efforts, approaching potential donors and preparing funding proposals.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program managers to integrate financial sustainability into project execution.
• Implement continuous improvement processes for financial sustainability initiatives.
• Execute training programs and capacity-building initiatives related to financial sustainability.
• Actively engage in advocating for financial sustainability, representing the organization's interests.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in financial management, fundraising, and grant writing within non-profit or educational sectors.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certifications in Financial Planning or related field is a plus.
• Understanding of issues related to marginalized youth and education is advantageous.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial strategies.
• Budget development, management, and variance analysis skills.
• Financial reporting expertise for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration and partnership-building skills.
• Contribution to the development and refinement of organizational strategic plans.
• Ability to actively advocate for financial sustainability both internally and externally.